Dentistry is all about smiles, and having a confident, healthy, beautiful smile is important even for patients wearing dentures. Our practice provides personalized denture services that meet the needs and comfort levels of our patients. All of our patients are unique and we create one-of-a-kind dentures that feel good and look natural.
Modern dentures come in a variety of designs, materials, and attachment methods tailored to your specific level of tooth loss and comfort preferences. The primary types available include traditional complete dentures, partial dentures, and implant-supported alternatives, each offering distinct structural benefits.
Traditional Removable Dentures
These options rest directly on the gum tissue and are held in place by natural suction or physical clasps.
Complete Dentures: Used when all natural teeth are missing from an entire upper or lower arch. The upper arch includes a pink acrylic base covering the roof of the mouth, while the lower arch is horseshoe-shaped to accommodate the tongue.
- Partial Dentures: Designed for individuals who still have some healthy remaining teeth. They utilize metal or plastic clasps that anchor onto adjacent natural teeth to keep the prosthetic framework secure.
- Immediate Dentures: Temporary appliances placed in the mouth immediately following a tooth extraction. They allow you to maintain a smile during the healing process while your gum tissue shrinks and settles.
Implant-Anchored Dentures
These modern alternatives rely on titanium posts surgically embedded into the jawbone for unparalleled structural stability.
- Snap-In (Overdentures): Removable appliances that mechanically snap onto dental implants. They offer much higher stability than suction-based options but can still be taken out at night for cleaning.
- Fixed Implant Dentures: Permanently attached to four or more implants (often called All-on-4). These act, feel, and function exactly like natural teeth and can only be removed by a dentist.
Advantages
- Improved Functionality: Restores the ability to chew, eat, and speak properly.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Fills out sunken facial features, providing a more youthful, natural look.
- Affordability: Generally, more cost-effective compared to dental implants.
- Non-Invasive: Does not require surgery for traditional, removable dentures.
- Easy Maintenance: Removable for easy cleaning and hygiene.
How do I know if dentures are the right choice for me?
Dentures are not for everyone. If you're interested in learning more about dentures and want to know if they are the right choice for you, please schedule an appointment. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you might have, and can determine the best course of treatment for your ongoing dental health.
Caring for your dentures
Dentures, just like natural teeth, require daily maintenance to stay clean and keep bacteria from growing inside of your mouth. Keep your dentures clean and your smile healthy:
- When handling your dentures, stand over a clean, folded towel or a sink full of water. This way, if you accidentally drop your dentures, they are less likely to break.
- Your dentures are not immune from plaque and tartar build-up, so it's important that you brush your dentures every day. To brush your dentures, use a soft-bristled brush and gently brush the surfaces of the dentures, being careful not to break or bend the plastic. Between brushings, it's important to rinse your dentures after each meal.
- Use a gentle cleanser to clean your dentures. Many toothpastes, household cleaners, and mouthwashes can be too hard on your dentures, so it is recommended that you use a mild hand or dish soap to get your dentures clean. Be sure to check for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval to choose products that are safe for your dentures, or ask your dentist about which products may be best for you.
- When you are not wearing your dentures, they need to be kept moist. Dentures that are not kept in a denture cleaning solution or in water can dry out, lose their shape, or even crack and break. Certain styles of dentures require certain soaking solutions, so be sure to ask your dentist which solution is best for you.
- Even if you have a full set of dentures, it's important to keep your gums and tongue clean. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean your gums and tongue every day.
If by chance your dentures do break, please contact our practice and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Broken dentures that don't fit properly can cause irritation to your gums and mouth. Also, remember to continue scheduling regular dental checkups every six months to make sure that your smile stays healthy for many years to come.
